Marriott Bonvoy? (Potential new program leak)
Nov 27, 2018, 10:20 am
#196
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: WAS
Programs: Free Agent
Posts: 1,757
100% second this. Not sure why several posters above have blamed millenials for this name! I would think it has most likely been thought up by a 45-50 year old Marketing Director at Marriott who *thinks* it sounds like it will appeal to millennials when in reality it sounds like a stupid name for everyone above the age of about 10.
The name of the program (or tier level) matters precisely 0% to me. The only thing I want from a loyalty program is consistent delivery of benefits. This week I've been dealing with Mar, Hilton and Hyatt, and Marriott has been the only program that didn't play games. The Hilton property I was looking at (and which I've enjoyed in the past) hasn't made any base level rooms available past Feb. 2019. I've been watching for months, and that's been true. Hyatt is notorious for properties playing games with inventory, and introducing minimum stays for award nights.
Marriott delivered with no problems. I was able to get the room I wanted, on the dates I wanted, and I expect to recieve the elite benefits to which I'm entitled. If they're able to consistently deliver that, they can call me a Gonorrhea Elite for all I care.
Nov 27, 2018, 10:38 am
#197
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 3
New Spend requirements too?
My wife and I are both Ambassador level this year. We were looking at our current qualifying levels for next year. She has about 175 nights, so nights are fine, but now we see that she has a spend requirement of $20K too. I don't remember that happening in the past.
Does anyone know what those are for the new program?
Does anyone know what those are for the new program?
Nov 27, 2018, 10:45 am
#198
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: KHOU/KIAH
Programs: AA EXP | Marriott Bonvoy Titanium| Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 11,247
My wife and I are both Ambassador level this year. We were looking at our current qualifying levels for next year. She has about 175 nights, so nights are fine, but now we see that she has a spend requirement of $20K too. I don't remember that happening in the past.
Does anyone know what those are for the new program?
Does anyone know what those are for the new program?
Although with 175 nights, I cannot imagine 20k being an issue?
Nov 27, 2018, 10:49 am
#199
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Southern California, USA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador and LTT, UA Plat/LT Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 8,764
My wife and I are both Ambassador level this year. We were looking at our current qualifying levels for next year. She has about 175 nights, so nights are fine, but now we see that she has a spend requirement of $20K too. I don't remember that happening in the past.
Does anyone know what those are for the new program?
Does anyone know what those are for the new program?
And welcome to FlyerTalk!
Last edited by bhrubin; Nov 27, 2018 at 11:28 am
Nov 27, 2018, 11:15 am
#200
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 6
Rhodium?
Really a precious name for the highest level. At $2500/ounce a really fine choice, for PP and above. And obscure as well.
Nov 27, 2018, 11:19 am
#201
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Somewhere in Florida
Posts: 2,622
While I appreciate that they're trying to better-differentiate the tiers, the name BonVoy is pathetic, and further shows that it's amateur hour over at Marriott, especially in the marketing department. The 29 Ways to Flop promotion should have been a clear message to upper management that both marketing & I.T. are in dire need of replacement, not given further powers.
We've established that Marriott has no development/workbench system. Back before 8/18 (never forget), listings for fake properties in Antarctica were showing up on the public site.
Perhaps not you or me, but with millennials, it's trendy to abuse the English language. Using nouns as verbs, ie: "A Better Way To Breakfast", as I saw on a new Marriott property site recently, or shortening words because it's so laborious for them to type/say, ie: "spesh" instead of "specialist".
Perhaps not you or me, but with millennials, it's trendy to abuse the English language. Using nouns as verbs, ie: "A Better Way To Breakfast", as I saw on a new Marriott property site recently, or shortening words because it's so laborious for them to type/say, ie: "spesh" instead of "specialist".
Nov 27, 2018, 11:26 am
#202
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Southern California, USA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador and LTT, UA Plat/LT Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 8,764
Titanium being higher than Platinum is a bit odd for those who actually know metal values, but it wasn’t like there was an obvious well known metal that’s actually more valuable than Platinum. But at least almost everyone has heard of Titanium. (I don’t think Rhodium is the answer even if it’s actually more valuable than Platinum. )
I’m not quite sure why people are throwing their hands up over these relatively straightforward new labels for Marriott. It’s a massive improvement over Plat, Plat Premier, and Plat Premier with Ambassador.
)I’m not quite sure why people are throwing their hands up over these relatively straightforward new labels for Marriott. It’s a massive improvement over Plat, Plat Premier, and Plat Premier with Ambassador.
Nov 27, 2018, 11:57 am
#203
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Victoria, B.C.
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, AA Gold LT
Posts: 1,940
I am not sure everyone is just worried about the name changes.
For me, the name is not too significant.
What is the worry is the devaluation in benefits that often come from these things. So Gold was levelled down to Silver at the merger, what is going to happen with the current Platinum level. What I find most important are
For me, the name is not too significant.
What is the worry is the devaluation in benefits that often come from these things. So Gold was levelled down to Silver at the merger, what is going to happen with the current Platinum level. What I find most important are
- what are the guaranteed benefits at each tier level (and are those benefits worth my $$$) for example an upgrade to a higher floor makes ZERO difference to me, free breakfast has $20-$100 value depending on offerings
- potential benefits - worth much less but still have some value as sometimes you will be able to cash in on them (ie suite upgrade)
- finally, customer service will the change in the program also indicate a change or lowering of customer service at all levels
Nov 27, 2018, 12:04 pm
#204
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,409
To my knowledge there is no X6 but it's definitely not Lifetime Plat Premier. I myself am Lifetime Plat Premier and my status still comes up as X4 on hotel reservation systems; I've seen it. I don't believe any code or field on the standard display at a Marriott property will display lifetime status. They can go into your account and find that. Another way they can note this is the room coordinator who may be giving out upgrades in the morning for arrivals that day looks at each account and figures out who is lifetime or not; they can put that as a remark or note on your reservation that the front desk agent would then see during check-in.
What should be displayed is the two-character code for your status and then an "L" for lifetime after it which would make this very easy. It's also a ridiculously simple IT change. Given that Marriott.com still tells me the landing page is "Raleigh-Durham Airport Hotel", I don't think anyone on this forum has a shred of confidence the IT department could even figure out how to display the "L".
-RM
What should be displayed is the two-character code for your status and then an "L" for lifetime after it which would make this very easy. It's also a ridiculously simple IT change. Given that Marriott.com still tells me the landing page is "Raleigh-Durham Airport Hotel", I don't think anyone on this forum has a shred of confidence the IT department could even figure out how to display the "L".
-RM
How much about our accounts can a front desk employee see? How much can the rooms manager (or someone in a similar level position at the property) see? Can the GM see anything more?
Nov 27, 2018, 12:06 pm
#205
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: LGA/JFK/EWR
Programs: UA 1K1.75MM, Hyatt Globalist, abandoned Marriott LTT (RIP SPG), Hertz PC
Posts: 21,169
I have 150 nights but well well short of $20K...not hard to imagine when ~30 of them are reward and ~60 of them are meetings (though the latter won't be as easily achievable going forward)
Nov 27, 2018, 12:07 pm
#206
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Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,409
It would be funny if it were not true.
I think you're right. It just seems weird for Marriott to focus on leaving. That might make sense if they were an airline, but they are not. They are in the business of the stay, not the departure (or even the return).
If I were a marketing genius I would say that the name of the loyalty program should connote rewards for loyalty. But if they want to use it to say something about their product as a whole, I would focus on the stay, not the trip. Marriott doesn't need to convince me to travel, they need to tell me why I should stay with them when I travel.
I think you're right. It just seems weird for Marriott to focus on leaving. That might make sense if they were an airline, but they are not. They are in the business of the stay, not the departure (or even the return).
If I were a marketing genius I would say that the name of the loyalty program should connote rewards for loyalty. But if they want to use it to say something about their product as a whole, I would focus on the stay, not the trip. Marriott doesn't need to convince me to travel, they need to tell me why I should stay with them when I travel.
I'm not sure who deserves the credit, but someone here made the observation that SPG signified a focus on one's experience during the stay (preferred guest) versus MR's emphasis on free night awards (the word rewards in the name of the loyalty program). The more I think about this, the more I think it was an extremely insightful comment that points out the difference in philosophies between the programs and their fans.
It also comes back to the conversation I've mentioned previously with a college classmate who has had a career as a RC executive, including being GM at several properties. He immediately reacted when I asked why RC didn't do a loyalty program that there was no point is offering free rooms to customers who were able and willing to pay for them. My reaction was that I wanted various perks (including upgrades and late checkouts that cost the hotel little or nothing but can make one's stay more pleasant and even memorable), not free stays so much.
It also comes back to the conversation I've mentioned previously with a college classmate who has had a career as a RC executive, including being GM at several properties. He immediately reacted when I asked why RC didn't do a loyalty program that there was no point is offering free rooms to customers who were able and willing to pay for them. My reaction was that I wanted various perks (including upgrades and late checkouts that cost the hotel little or nothing but can make one's stay more pleasant and even memorable), not free stays so much.
Nov 27, 2018, 12:13 pm
#207
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Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,409
Can anyone explain the precise difference between "feather-free", "foam pillows", and "allergen friendly" requests? Unfortunately some hotels seem to think that the first two are interchangeable and remove the feather pillows but leave feather duvets in the bed. Also, what about polyester versus foam pillows? I prefer the former.
Nov 27, 2018, 12:16 pm
#208
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Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Southern California, USA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador and LTT, UA Plat/LT Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 8,764
I am not sure everyone is just worried about the name changes.
For me, the name is not too significant.
What is the worry is the devaluation in benefits that often come from these things. So Gold was levelled down to Silver at the merger, what is going to happen with the current Platinum level. What I find most important are
For me, the name is not too significant.
What is the worry is the devaluation in benefits that often come from these things. So Gold was levelled down to Silver at the merger, what is going to happen with the current Platinum level. What I find most important are
- what are the guaranteed benefits at each tier level (and are those benefits worth my $$$) for example an upgrade to a higher floor makes ZERO difference to me, free breakfast has $20-$100 value depending on offerings
- potential benefits - worth much less but still have some value as sometimes you will be able to cash in on them (ie suite upgrade)
- finally, customer service will the change in the program also indicate a change or lowering of customer service at all levels
(1) The program name finally is here after the Aug 18 integration admitted a new name was forthcoming in 2019. Purely cosmetic.
(2) The elite tier levels have a few new names: namely, Plat Premier is now Titanium Elite and Plat Premier with Ambassador is now just Ambassador Elite. Purely cosmetic again.
(3) The guaranteed benefits for each tier haven’t changed in the slightest. The only thing that changed was a few new labels as noted above. What was announced at the Aug 18 integration is still true.
(4) For everyone but the literalists/originalists who require every detail spelled out precisely even as company terms/conditions almost always avoid that these days, it is obvious that the Lifetime Plat Premier status coming in Jan 2019 will still be coming but likely renamed as Lifetime Titanium Elite. Purely cosmetic again.
(5) Everyone now knows that upgrade priorities will be what almost everyone already assumed anyway: Silver < Gold < Platinum < Titanium < Ambassador.
(6) Potential benefits on August 19 are the same benefits now. This leak was about program name and elite tier name/label changes. Purely cosmetic.
(7) Customer service is as customer service will be, and has nothing to do with this leak. Clearly, Marriott has work to do to improve its customer service after the Aug 18 integration and concomitant IT failures. That hasn’t changed, though. That was true before this leak, and that is still true after this leak.
(8) Ambassador guests like me are enjoying pretty awesome customer service, at least for those who can communicate with their Ambassadors despite the email/server and other Marriott IT failures that sometimes have disrupted those communications.
(9) There is no imminent devaluation despite fearmongering to the contrary. This leak and eventual announcement is simply to clean up most of the remaining TBA details from Aug 18 integration. Of course, there always has been and always will be future property award category changes that can devalue and revalue accordingly.
Nov 27, 2018, 12:16 pm
#209
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: La Jolla, CA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador, Lifetime Titanium, Delta Plat, Hilton Diamond , Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 2,615
I am not sure everyone is just worried about the name changes.
For me, the name is not too significant.
What is the worry is the devaluation in benefits that often come from these things. So Gold was levelled down to Silver at the merger, what is going to happen with the current Platinum level. What I find most important are
For me, the name is not too significant.
What is the worry is the devaluation in benefits that often come from these things. So Gold was levelled down to Silver at the merger, what is going to happen with the current Platinum level. What I find most important are
- what are the guaranteed benefits at each tier level (and are those benefits worth my $$$) for example an upgrade to a higher floor makes ZERO difference to me, free breakfast has $20-$100 value depending on offerings
- potential benefits - worth much less but still have some value as sometimes you will be able to cash in on them (ie suite upgrade)
- finally, customer service will the change in the program also indicate a change or lowering of customer service at all levels
I recognize that at this point nothing is officially changing- but differentiating Elite levels in a way that is easier for staff to recognize *should* result in more consistent recognition at the Hotels.
I was really surprised on my last trip how unaware FDCs were with PP or PP with A status. It wasn’t an issue since upgrades were implemented prior to check in, but it still was strange that agents lumped all Platinum guests together.
IMO naming Titanium and Ambassador is a positive step.
Last edited by damon88; Nov 27, 2018 at 12:24 pm
Nov 27, 2018, 12:19 pm
#210
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Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,409
Thanks for sharing!
I can appreciate that some enjoy knowing that the hotel recognizes their elite status. But I would be quite unhappy at the violation of my privacy for no good reason by posting such a list.
I realize car rental companies might list me due to my status, but that is for a genuine purpose to allow me to more quickly get my rental car. This list has no purpose other than to prove the hotel knows one is elite.
The numbers are very interesting.
I wonder how many non members the hotel has.
I wonder how many non members the hotel has.